Plants
Senecio articulatus
The Senecio articulatus, also known as the candle plant or sausage plant, is a unique succulent with segmented stems and tricolor leaves in shades of green, creamy-white, and pink-violet. It thrives in bright, sunny locations and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for dry conditions. This plant forms a sprawling clump that can reach up to 16 inches in height and over 12 inches in width. It is dormant during the summer and sprouts in the winter, producing small yellow-white flowers. Hardy in USDA Zones 9b to 11b, it prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought periods between waterings.
Senecio ficoides
Senecio ficoides, commonly known as 'Blue Chalk Sticks,' is a trailing succulent from South Africa with an upright growth habit that begins to trail at about 12 inches tall. It features long, tubular blue leaves and is often used as ground cover or in mixed succulent planters. This plant is appreciated for its striking color and versatility in various garden settings.
Stanhopea saccata
Stanhopea saccata is an orchid known for its fascinating and fragrant flowers that typically hang down beneath the plant. It requires bright, indirect light, high humidity, and good air circulation to thrive. This species is native to regions from Mexico to Central America.
Euphorbia decaryi var. decaryi
Euphorbia decaryi var. decaryi is a small caudiciform plant endemic to Madagascar, known for its highly variable leaf shapes and colors. It features lanceolate leaves with green variegation and a red-tinted reverse, forming a woody caudex close to the soil. This plant naturally takes a bonsai-like shape and is suitable for bright light conditions.
Sarracenia ahlesii
Sarracenia ahlesii is a hybrid carnivorous plant from the wet pocosins of Alabama and Mississippi. It features pale green pitchers with red veins and rosy red flowers. This plant thrives in sunny, boggy conditions and is easy to grow, making it suitable for bog gardens and greenhouses.
Begonia 'Steve's Leaves Essence De Rose'
Begonia 'Steve's Leaves Essence De Rose' is a hybrid cane-type begonia with clusters of pink flowers that have a rose-like fragrance. Its deep green leaves are medium-sized with silver spots, adding a touch of elegance.
Arisaema serratum var. serratum
Arisaema serratum var. serratum is an Asian native plant with a mottled stem that grows up to 2 feet tall. It features a distinctive pitcher with an arching spathe and leaves that emerge two-thirds up the stem. This easy-to-cultivate species thrives in well-drained conditions and is known for its durability and unique appearance.
Sedum lineare 'Variegatum'
Sedum lineare 'Variegatum' is an evergreen groundcover known for its striking green leaves edged in white. This low-growing perennial forms a non-weedy mat and is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for sunny locations. It rarely flowers, but when it does, it produces small yellow blooms. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F, but prefers ample light to maintain its vibrant foliage. This sedum is versatile in reproduction and can adapt to various garden settings, including rock gardens and living walls.
Homalomena 'Wallisii Camouflage'
Homalomena 'Wallisii Camouflage' is a rare plant with variegated leaves featuring light and dark green mottled patterns. It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, requiring partial sunlight or bright, indirect light. This plant is known for its easy care and unique foliage, making it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.
Scutellaria ovata
Scutellaria ovata, a member of the mint family, is a perennial plant native to regions from Minnesota to Florida and Mexico. It grows to about 2 feet tall with heart-shaped green leaves and blue-purple flowers resembling miniature snapdragons. This plant thrives in well-drained soils and may go dormant in extreme drought.
Lupinus texensis
Lupinus texensis, the state flower of Texas, is an annual plant that thrives in naturalized wildflower areas. Known for its tall plumes of blue flowers, it attracts bees and butterflies, adding life to gardens. This plant self-sows readily and grows best in moist conditions, with seedlings emerging in the fall. Its seeds have a hard coat and can be scarified to improve germination.
Acianthera pubescens
This diminutive orchid is native to South America and is known for its small, intricate white or pink/yellow flowers. It thrives in cool, humid conditions and typically grows to a height of 5-15 cm. High humidity and good air movement are crucial for its well-being.
Coelogyne mooreana
Coelogyne mooreana is a medium-sized orchid species known for its cool-growing nature. This plant is appreciated for its elegant flowers and is suitable for orchid enthusiasts looking for a unique addition to their collection.
Drosera anglica
Drosera anglica is a fascinating carnivorous plant known for its insect-trapping abilities, featuring lime green paddle-shaped leaves with red sticky tentacles. It forms a stemless rosette and thrives in wet, calcium-rich soils, often associated with sphagnum moss. This plant is widely distributed across northern regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, but is considered threatened in some areas like Minnesota. It blooms in summer with self-pollinating white flowers and requires a period of dormancy. Drosera anglica does not tolerate temperatures above 80°F and is easy to grow under the right conditions.
Kalanchoe sexangularis
Kalanchoe sexangularis is a succulent perennial with reddish shoots and green to deep ruby-red leaves. It blooms in winter with yellow flowers and is common in southern Africa, thriving in rocky, shaded areas.
Paphinia cristata
Paphinia cristata is a unique orchid native to northern South America and Trinidad, known for its striking deep-red flowers. It thrives in warm, humid, and shaded environments, often found in damp forests up to 3,280 feet in elevation. The plant features a pendant inflorescence with one to three large flowers. It requires consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out for extended periods. Paphinia cristata can be mounted on materials like coconut, tree fern, or cork with moss to mimic its natural habitat.
Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea
Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea, also known as Devil's Boots or Side-Saddle Flower, is a low-growing carnivorous plant with stout traps. It displays a striking burgundy color with red veins in full sun and turns deep reddish-purple in winter. The plant forms clumps that can spread to over 4 feet across, with traps retaining their color for nearly two years. It blooms in early spring with fragrant, deep red flowers. Native to regions from Maryland to Newfoundland, it is hardy to zone 2 and suitable for terrariums and backyard bog gardens. Historically, it was used in colonial homeopathic medicine.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Generale Vicomtesse Devibraye'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Generale Vicomtesse Devibraye' is a classic hydrangea with large light blue flower heads. It blooms freely in filtered shade and features strong, long stems with pale green leaves. Bred by Emile Mouillere in 1909, this hybrid is a cross between Otaksa and Rosea, offering a timeless beauty to shaded garden areas.
Agave utahensis ssp. eborispina
Agave utahensis ssp. eborispina, known as the Ivoryspined agave, is a small, clump-forming agave native to the Nopah Mountains. It grows to about 8-12 inches tall and wide, with heavily toothed leaves and stout, wavy, ivory-colored terminal spines. This agave is very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to 0°F when dry. It requires well-drained soil and thrives in full sun, making it a suitable companion for cacti like Echinocereus and Escobaria.
Anubias hastifolia
Anubias hastifolia is an aquatic plant with arrowhead-shaped leaves, suitable for aquariums and paludariums. Originating from Africa, it thrives in low to medium light and can grow both emerged and submerged. This low-maintenance plant is best attached to hard surfaces and is known for its resilience in various water conditions.
Oncidium nebulosum
This orchid species is native to the cloud forests of Central and South America and thrives in cool, misty montane environments. It produces small, colorful blossoms with yellow or golden sepals and petals, intricate markings, and a delightful fragrance. The flowers are borne on graceful, arching inflorescences, and the plant has a slender, upright growth habit.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Forever Pink'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Forever Pink' is a dwarf hydrangea with bright pink flower heads measuring 3 to 4 inches across. It is a vigorous grower that can thrive in both semi-shade and sun, making it suitable for container gardening. This plant is known for its vibrant blooms and adaptability to various light conditions.
Goeppertia roseopicta 'Little Princess'
Goeppertia roseopicta 'Little Princess' is a charming plant known for its air-purifying qualities. Its leaves curl up at night and unfurl in the morning, adding a dynamic element to its appearance. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires a moist, high-humidity environment.
Drosera barbigera 'Giant Form'
Drosera barbigera 'Giant Form' is a captivating carnivorous plant from Australia, known as a Pygmy sundew. Despite its tiny size, it requires full sun or bright light to thrive. This plant has special water needs, preferring rain, reverse osmosis, or distilled water, and should not dry out for more than a day. Its unique adaptation allows it to capture and digest insects, making it an intriguing addition to any plant collection. The sundew's sticky, glandular leaves are both functional and visually interesting. It's a fascinating choice for those interested in carnivorous plants.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Carbon'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Carbon' is a tomato variety that combines the heirloom flavor of 'Cherokee Purple' with the early production of 'Carbon'. It produces large, purple beefsteak fruits with a rich flavor and fewer cracks and blemishes.
Lepanthes mariposa
Lepanthes mariposa is an orchid species native to the cloud forests of Central and South America, with flowers resembling a butterfly. It is an epiphytic plant that thrives in high-altitude environments.
Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
Sedum 'Autumn Fire' is a drought-tolerant perennial with light to medium green foliage and stunning pink flower clusters. It blooms in late summer and fall, with foliage retaining color through winter. This plant grows up to 2.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, thriving in full sun and sandy or gravelly soil.
Brassica rapa var. ruvo
Brassica rapa var. ruvo, known in Italy as 'broccoletti', offers tender stems, buds, flowers, and leaves with a slightly bitter, peppery broccoli flavor. It is enjoyed in salads, stir-fries, or steamed, and the budding florets should be harvested just before the flowers open.
Prunus persica 'Carored'
Developed at Clemson University, this peach tree produces sweet, juicy yellow flesh peaches that ripen in early to mid-summer. The tree grows up to 18 feet tall and 15 feet wide, is self-pollinating, and requires around 650 chill hours. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hygrophila ringens var. ringens 'Purple'
Hygrophila ringens var. ringens 'Purple' is an aquatic plant with narrow, purple-tinged leaves that enhance the visual appeal of aquascapes. It thrives in medium to high lighting and prefers temperatures between 68-82°F. This plant benefits from CO2 supplementation and regular trimming to encourage bushier growth.